This introduction to graphic design will get your student started in understanding the concepts behind composition, design elements and principles, some color theory, using type, and just generally becoming more proficient in the design things we all have to do on a regular basis. Our projects may include everyday design tasks such as creating presentations or slide shows to creating logos and social media projects.
Your student will learn the vocabulary or design, different jobs that use graphic design, famous designers, some history of the field, as well as how to critique their own work and others’. Because graphic design and its related fields are so intertwined with communication, we will be working on how to get comfortable presenting work verbally and relying quite a bit on discussions to increase learning and retention.
Some of our assignments, or parts of them anyway, will not require the use of software in order to understand the concepts. When we do need software, we will be using Canva as that tool. We will do brief lessons in using Canva if we will need it for the assignment.
It’s helpful if your student is able to attend in a quiet place with a working microphone and camera. The studio feel of this class helps the students gain a comfort level necessary for them to discuss their work candidly.
Please view prerequisites and required supplies below.
Free account to Canva.com; sketch book or blank paper for sketching ideas; some sort of digital camera, phone or scanner to get paper sketches into digital form; reliable computer camera and microphone.
Optional: touchscreen laptop or a Wacom-style tablet to make art a little more fun and easier on your body.
Carissa Sheehan is a big fan of creating life-long critical thinkers and creative problem solvers. Learning how to approach problems in a visual way adds an amazing dimension to those skills. The bulk of her career has been spent working in graphic design for Christian ministries and nonprofits.
Carissa graduated with a Bachelors in Art from John Brown University and later with her Masters in Applied Linguistics from the University of Colorado at Denver. She has taught outdoor education classes, coached volleyball, and tutored adults in ESL.
In the field of graphic design she has worked as a designer as well as a Creative Director and Art Director. Much of her experience has been in small departments where she has learned the process of design from concept to delivery. This enables her to offer real world examples and advice to students who are either interested in making graphic design their collegiate field of study or who would like to use it as a way to earn money as a freelancer right away.
After studying watercolor and oil painting in college, she discovered the joys of painting with acrylic paint. She runs a small paint party business as well as sells some of her work online. She loves the laid back approach to painting exemplified in people like Bob Ross and strives to pass on an enjoyment and mastery of painting to her students.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.